Dolomite, a world leader in microfluidic design and manufacture, has launched a new range of Piezoelectric Pumps providing a flexible solution for handling small volumes of fluid within microfluidic systems.

Extremely small in size, the lightweight Piezoelectric Pumps are ideal for easy integration into experimental set-ups and can be used in portable microfluidic devices. Their unique technology uses the piezoelectric effect which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy for the actuation of a diaphragm, resulting in fluid movement through the diaphragm chamber. By varying the applied voltage and frequency, the flow rate can be adjusted from 3ml/min to a maximum of 20ml/min enabling experimental parameters to be optimised.

The pump features two fluid ports which can be connected to soft tubing with an internal diameter of 0.8mm, 1.6mm or 2.4mm. Providing a flexible low power pump solution which fits into tight spaces, the Piezoelectric Pumps enhance instrument development and benefit a wide range of industries including consumer electronics, medical instruments, fuel cells and microfluidic experimentations.

Dolomite also provides a compact Piezoelectric Pump Controller for the flexible control of up to two pumps for applications such as point of care diagnostics where a sample and reagent are mixed together in a microfluidic system. The Controller features a memory function to store the latest setting used enabling users to quickly setup the micropumps within their fluidic systems.

For further information on Dolomite's range of pumps as well as a complete portfolio of microfluidic products including chips, connectors/ interconnects, valves and custom devices please visit www.dolomite-microfluidics.com

Editors' notes

The Dolomite Centre Limited

Established in 2005 as the world's first Microfluidic Application Centre, Dolomite focused on working with customers to turn their concepts for microfluidic applications into reality. Today, Dolomite is the world leader in solving microfluidic problems. With offices in the UK and US and distributors throughout the rest of the world, its clients range from universities developing leading-edge analytical equipment, to manufacturers of chemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostics systems.

Dolomite is pioneering the use of microfluidic devices for small-scale fluid control and analysis, enabling manufacturers to develop more compact, cost-effective and powerful instruments. By combining specialist glass, quartz and ceramic technologies with knowledge of high performance microfluidics, Dolomite is able to provide solutions for a broad range of application areas including environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, food and beverage, nuclear, agriculture, petrochemical, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Furthermore Dolomite's in-house micro-fabrication facilities that include clean rooms and precision glass processing facilities allow to prototype and test all solutions rapidly which ensures a faster development cycle and reduces the time to market.

For more information please visit www.dolomite-microfluidics.com.